Santa Margarita Catholic High School hosts mock papal conclaves

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Santa Margarita Catholic High School students are getting a taste of what it feels like to pick one of the most influential figures on the planet: the pope.

As the Vatican prepares to start the conclave that'll select a new pope, the local Catholic high school has been organizing mock conclaves to promote interest and understanding of the event.

Sophomores taking Samantha Stribling's religion class hung photos of real-life cardinals around their neck and locked themselves inside the classroom Wednesday to get a sense of what it's like to be part of the conclave.

"It will just increase their investment in the process," Stribling said. "They're curious, too."

More mock conclaves are expected to be held at the school as it gets closer to the real voting in Vatican, she said.